Jets sign ex-Ravens defensive end Trevor Pryce

Karl Merton Ferron/Baltimore Sun/MCTTrevor Pryce is third among active players in sacks.

When the Ravens released Trevor Pryce Wednesday, they said they intended to bring him back soon. But before they could, the Jets will sign the 35-year-old defensive end, a person with knowledge of the transaction confirmed.

That person requested anonymity because the team has not announced the signing.

Baltimore linebacker Terrell Suggs first broke the news via his Twitter page, writing, "kinda sad 2day. my boy trevor pryce signed wit the JETS!!!!! happy for him but would rather he be on my team!!!!!"

A former first-round draft pick by the Broncos, Pryce played three seasons under Ryan in Baltimore. He said at the time if Ryan ever became a head coach, he would want to go with him.

The move makes sense for the Jets, whose front seven has been hampered by injuries. Outside linebacker Calvin Pace is on his way back from surgery on a broken bone in his foot, and Jason Taylor is playing with an elbow injury. The Jets lost both nose tackle Kris Jenkins, torn ACL, and defensive end Ropati Pitoitua, torn Achilles tendon, for the season.

Baltimore coach John Harbaugh said Wednesday of Pryce, "we anticipate getting him back," and his locker at the Ravens facility had not been cleared out. As a veteran, he did not have to go through waivers and became a free agent, giving the Jets a chance to sign him. Because he was on the Ravens' roster for Week 1, they are on the hook for his $2 million salary, which he will earn in addition to what the Jets will pay him.

It's unclear what the corresponding roster move is, but Howard Green was not at practice today, so it's possible he was released to make space for Pryce.

Pryce, a 14-year veteran, has 90 career sacks -- third-most among active players. He played in the Ravens' first three games but did not start any.

Jets acquire Ravens' Trevor Pryce

Jets acquire Ravens' Trevor Pryce As soon as Rex Ryan saw the Ravens released Trevor Pryce, the Jets put the wheels in motion to bring him in, the Jets coach said at a press conference today. (Video by Ed Murray / The Star-Ledger)